PM-2NDLD OBAMA 2 LST

Welcoming Singh, Obama called him a "good friend" and
said he continues to believe that the extraordinary leadership
that the Indian Prime Minister has provided not just to his
country, but to the world, has helped "us navigate through
some very difficult times."
In his opening remarks, the US President said he was
very pleased to have accepted an invitation to visit India.
"It is a trip that I'm very much looking forward to,
and I know that the Prime Minister and his gracious wife will
extend great hospitality to us.
"We are also just excited because of the tremendous
cultural, as well as political and social and economic
examples that India is providing the world and has in the
past," he said.
"Thank you so much for your friendship, and we look
forward to working with you in the months to come, leading up
to the visit, so that we know that we're going to have a very
productive stay when we're in India," Obama said.
Heaping praises on Singh, Obama said at the G-20
Summit when the Prime Minister speaks people listen,
particularly because of his deep knowledge of economic issues.
"As well as the fact that he understands that as India
rises as a world power, not just a regional power, that it
also has enormous responsibilities to work with the rest of
the world community around issues of peace and prosperity," he
said.
In his remarks, Singh said it was the common endeavour
of both leaders to give the Indo-US strategic partnership a
new trust, new meaning and new content.
Singh said he has every reason to believe that Obama
will find it a productive and exciting journey to "a country
of India's diversity, of India's complexity."
He said the two countries are engaged in getting rid
of chronic poverty, ignorance and disease, which still afflict
millions and millions of people.
"And it's our common desire to work together to get
rid of this scourge in our lifetime. And in that, the United
States' support means a great deal to us. Your personal
commitment to social justice is something we cherish," he
said.
The Prime Minister said a "very warm welcome" awaits
Obama, the First Lady Michelle and their children when they
visit India.
He said during the visit, Obama can see for himself
what India is trying to do, the difficulties of managing
social and economic transformation in the framework of a
democracy committed to the rule of law, committed to all
fundamental human freedoms.
"I think that's what India seeks to achieve," he said.
Obama also recalled the State Visit of Singh in
November, when the two leaders decided to launch a Strategic
Dialogue between the two countries. PTI VSC
MRD


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